CHANCE FOR TRADE

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1934, Page 9

CHANCE FOR TRADE

NEW ZEALAND FISHERIES KEEN DEMAND IN AUSTRALIA. ADVICE GIVEN BY MINISTER. FISHERMEN URGED TO RESPOND. Since the ratification of the Austra-lian-New Zealand trade agreement on December 1, 1933, when the New Zealand Government succeeded in having the duty, primage and sales tax removed on fish exported to the Commonwealth, there has been a steady and substantial increase in this trade, as is shown by the following figures, states the Hon. R. Masters:— 9 months 9 months ended ended Sept. 1933. Sept. 1934. Oysters (doz.) ... 104,937 202,520 (value) .. £1,022 £1,847 Other fish (cwts) 23,475 42,325 (value) .. £50*948 £96,132 This position can be even further improved, and the market in Australia substantially increased, but to give New Zealand the full benefit of the market offering it will be necessary for those interested in the trade in the Dominion to become more active in certain directions. For instance, the catching capacity of our fishing plants should be increased, and the cleaning, get-up and packing of New Zealand fish should be further im-' proved. I think also that the industry should take steps to organise itself on a proper basis and bring about a cessation in the practice of fisheries of “cutting” prices. The taste for New Zealand fish is growing apace in Australia, but so far only the Melbourne and Sydney markets are partially catered for. Other large cities, such as Brisbane and Adelaide, are awaiting exploitation and supplies; In this connection I would point out that more regular supplies and shipments will be a necessity if we are to develop markets in additional centres, or even to increase the demand at Melbourne and Sydney. In addition it should be possible to bring about a more favourable export price. A proper realisation of the demand in Australia would increase export prices at least Id per

lb., which would aggregate approximately £25,000 per annum. TRAWLERS FROM AUSTRALIA. When it is realised that Australian trawlers are fitting themselves out specially to come to New Zealand waters for fish, because of a definite shortage in Autralia our fish exporters may possibly see the wisdom of getting together in a co-operative effort to develop this industry and the resultant export trade. Two trawlers have already visited the fishing grounds' off the New Zealand coast within the past few months, the first one taking over 880 boxes, and the second 600 boxes of terekihi, schnapper, hapuka and assorted fish. Frankly I think it is a reflection on New Zealand and the initiative of those engaged in the industry that Australian ships should fish our waters and return to their home ports with holds filled with fish to supply a receptive market which has been made available to our fishermen through the trade treaty. If Australia finds it payable to send vessels here surely our own fishermen, with their closer knowledge of the fishing grounds and of local conditions, should make some effort to see that this trade is not taken from them. I was informed that Australians are comparatively small fish eaters and that they consume on the average only 141 b. of fish per' head per annum. In New Zealand and Canada the consumption is 251 b. per head, while in England the consumption is about 401bs. per head. REASONS FOR LOW CONSUMPTION. If would seem that there are three main reasons why the consumption is so low in Australia. Firstly, the price is higher than that of meat; secondly, the fish is not nearly so attractively displayed and advertised in Australia as it is elsewhere, and, thirdly, there seems to be no system of delivery from door to door, and consequently the public will not go out of its way. to make purchases of this class of food. Probably the chief reason is the high price, but this is caused almost entirely through the shortage of supplies'. As an instance of the demand for fish in Australia I would mention that when I was at Sydney representations were made to me by the Wholesale Fishmongers’ Association of New South Wales, when it was stated that there was a definite shortage of fish at Sydney and that a great deal more could .be utilised, especially as the taste for New Zealand fish was developing. The shortage of supplies, and the high price of potatoes, constituted a real hardship, particularly in the fish-and-chip trade. Incidentally reference was made by this organisation to the improvement which has already taken, place in the packing and grading of New Zealand fish.

There is no doubt that there are definite opportunities for increasing our sales in this market, and I would urge those associated with the industry to make every effort to avail themselves of the chance they now have of extending their export trade.